Digital UK strengthens top team with new technology and spectrum roles

Digital UK has today announced two senior appointments as the company responds to the opportunities of an increasingly connected TV world.

James Jackson has been promoted to Technology Director. Previously Delivery Director for Connected TV at Digital UK, James has been responsible for programme management of Freeview Play and will now lead technical development of the new hybrid TV service, while also overseeing wider technical management of the DTT platform.

Prior to joining Digital UK in June 2015, James was Head of Distribution Strategy for the BBC and has held a number of senior roles within the BBC’s distribution and technology teams.

A second appointment sees Kate Macefield take on a new role leading the co-ordination of forthcoming major spectrum changes. As Programme Director for 700MHz Clearance, Kate will manage the move of Freeview channels to new airwaves to free up frequencies for the next generation of mobile broadband services. Previously Broadcast Director at Digital UK, Kate oversaw the successful spectrum moves to enable the current rollout of 4G services across the UK.

The company changes will also see Michelle Brownrigg, Operations Director, take on wider responsibilities across a range of areas, including viewer support and EPG management.

The moves follow development of connected TV service Freeview Play, which launched in October 2015, and the growth of HD services on Freeview. Digital UK is now gearing up for the next wave of developments and a continuing drive towards spectrum-efficient standards.

Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Kate and James to their new roles. Their insight and practical experience will help ensure Freeview continues to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly connected world, while also delivering further spectrum efficiencies in a smooth and timely manner.’

It was also announced today that Ilse Howling, Digital UK’s MD of Connected TV, and Chief Operating Officer, Alex Pumfrey, will leave Digital UK at the end of February. As a former MD of Freeview, Ilse was instrumental in the platform’s success and joined Digital UK in 2014 to lead the development phase of Freeview Play. Alex played a key role in establishing Digital UK as Director of Strategy and oversaw the UK’s digital switchover before taking up her current role. Jonathan Thompson said: ‘I would like to express my huge appreciation of the contribution that Ilse and Alex have made to television and to the continuing evolution of Freeview as the UK’s most widely used service.’